Bhubaneswar, 10 July (H.S.): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said that the overall development of any region depends on the strength of its education system. Emphasising the need for a future-ready education system, he said that education in the 21st century must be linked with employment, skill development and entrepreneurship so that students can become self-reliant and empowered.

Pradhan addressed the foundation stone laying ceremony of the permanent campus and the inauguration of the temporary campus of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pallahara in Angul district, through video conferencing. During his address, he recalled his emotional connection with Pallahara and said that the region played an important role in shaping his identity as a public representative. He added that education is the biggest asset of the area.

The Union Minister said that in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), learning should not remain confined to textbooks alone. Students must be provided with employment-oriented, skill-based and entrepreneurship-focused education. He stressed that education becomes meaningful only when it reaches children from poor and disadvantaged sections of society.

Pradhan said that the Kendriya Vidyalaya being established at Pallahara under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will play a significant role in providing quality and modern education to students from the surrounding areas. He expressed confidence that the institution will emerge as a centre of excellence equipped with modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, sports facilities and a well-developed library, contributing significantly to the vision of a developed Odisha.

Highlighting the importance of education in the state’s progress, the Union Minister said that education is the key to unlocking Odisha’s full potential and driving its development. He added that the Kendriya Vidyalaya will open new avenues and create better opportunities for students in the region.

Speaking about the economic potential of the Pallahara area, Pradhan said that along with agriculture, fisheries should also be promoted on a large scale. He stated that through coordinated efforts of the Centre and the State Government, steps would be taken to increase fish production and promote exports.

The Union Minister also stressed the need to develop the unique identity of the local ‘Malyagiri’ region into a global brand. Citing an example, he said that an Odia couple residing in Germany had successfully transformed ‘Malyagiri Pickle’ into a recognised brand. He called for similar efforts to promote local products and connect them with national and international markets.

Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pani, Pallahara MLA Ashok Mohanty and several other public representatives and officials were present at the programme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda